Consider this scenario:

• A generator requires 24 hours of runtime at full load, burning 20 gallons per hour. You need 480 gallons for full coverage.
• If you run the generator 15 minutes per month, you’ll consume only about 21 gallons per year. Without a major outage, most of your fuel remains unused for 8 years.
• Even if you top off every two years with 50 gallons, the majority of the tank—430 gallons—is old fuel, now 24 months old. Adding new fuel does not fix the problem.

Why Old Diesel Fuel Is a Problem

To comply with NFPA 110 (Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems), fuel must remain “clear and bright” and meet ASTM D975 standards.

• After 90 days, diesel begins to discolor and solids form.
• Fuel that is no longer clear and bright can cause engine damage, clogged filters, and failed emergency starts.

Hope is not a plan.

How to Solve the Problem

The best way to maintain emergency generator fuel is:

• Regular fuel testing to monitor quality
• Fuel polishing systems to remove water and solids
• Additives to stabilize fuel and improve performance

For professional solutions, contact Dieselcraft at sales@dieselcraft.com.

The post Why You Should Worry About Your Generator’s Old Diesel Fuel appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Here are the two most common (and costly) threats to your diesel engine:

1. Water: The Silent Destroyer

Water contamination is the leading cause of diesel engine problems—and it’s more common than most people realize.

Water can enter your fuel system in several ways:

• Contaminated fuel from suppliers
• Condensation inside storage tanks
• Poor handling or storage practices

Once water is present, things escalate quickly. Microbes begin to grow at the fuel-water interface, creating sludge and producing even more water as they multiply. Left unchecked, this contamination spreads throughout your system.

When water reaches your engine, the consequences can be severe:

• Steam formation under high temperatures
• Cracked or damaged fuel injectors
• Corrosion of internal components
• Complete system failure

Important: Damage caused by water in fuel is typically not covered by warranties.

2. Fuel Contamination & Degradation

Diesel fuel isn’t as stable as many assume—it has a limited shelf life. In fact, fuel can begin to degrade in as little as 30 days, especially when exposed to:

• Heat
• Air (oxidation)
• Moisture

As diesel breaks down, it forms:

• Gum and varnish deposits
• Sediment and sludge
• Darkened, unstable fuel

This degradation feeds directly into the water problem. More contamination means more microbial growth, which leads to:

• Clogged filters
• Reduced engine performance
• Unexpected shutdowns

If not addressed early, these issues can bring your engine to a halt.

Stop Problems Before They Start

The key to avoiding diesel engine failure is early detection and prevention.

If you suspect your fuel may contain water or contaminants, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Testing your fuel now can save you thousands in repairs later.

Dieselcraft offers fuel test kits designed to quickly identify contamination issues—so you can take action before damage occurs.

Order Test Kits or Call 530-613-2150 today to order your fuel test kit and protect your engine from preventable failure.

Bottom line: Water and contamination don’t fix themselves—they get worse over time. The sooner you detect and remove them, the longer your engine will last. BUY HERE

The post Top Causes of Diesel Engine Failure: Water Contamination & Fuel Degradation Explained appeared first on Dieselcraft.